MONROE — Laurie Lapidus, a fourth-grade teacher at Pine Tree Elementary School in Monroe, recently spoke at a conference for the National Council of Teachers of English in Philadelphia.

MONROE — Laurie Lapidus, a fourth-grade teacher at Pine Tree Elementary School in Monroe, recently spoke at a conference for the National Council of Teachers of English in Philadelphia.

During the conference, Lapidus and Dr. Barbara Fink Chorzempa, a professor at SUNY New Paltz, held a presentation on the Socratic method, a specific strategy used by Lapidus to teach writing skills in her inclusive elementary classroom. Normally used in a high school or post-secondary educational setting, Lapidus has modified the Socratic method for the elementary level.

The Socratic method involves students reading a selection of literature, such as a novel or short story, and using their critical thinking skills to generate questions about the text. Together, students select the questions they'd like to discuss as a group, and then independently seek evidence in the text to support their own answers. They then gather as a group for discussion.

According to the article "To Find Yourself, Think for Yourself," co-written by Lapidus and Chorzempa in the January/February 2009 edition of "Teaching Exceptional Children," an official publication of the Council for Exceptional Children, the open discussion method not only allows students to support their own opinions with details but also strengthens their ability to exhibit a personal voice in their writing.

The partnership between Lapidus and Chorzempa began five years ago, when Chorzempa and a former Pine Tree principal held a precursor student-teacher course at the school. The two were introduced and have collaborated ever since, having spoken together at other conferences in Washington, D.C., and Saratoga.

Chorzempa is researching the students' progress to see if there is evidence to support that the Socratic method is in fact improving student writing.

"I absolutely see an improvement in my students' writing," Lapidus said. "Students also learn how to have a discussion and how to listen; it also enhances their critical thinking and social skills."

Lapidus, who also teaches graduate courses at SUNY New Paltz, has used the Socratic method in some form during eight out of the nine years she's been teaching. Each year, she hosts the Socratic Café, where students have a literary discussion in front of their parents and families.

"We have about 100 people who attend every year," Lapidus said. "Our parents get involved as well as former students. It's a very rewarding night."

Next year's Socratic Café will be held at 7 p.m. March 9 in the All-Purpose Room at Pine Tree Elementary School.